Brewers to Acquire Frankie Montas in Trade with Reds
In a significant mid-season move, the Milwaukee Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, reliable sources within the league indicate that the trade is imminent.
The Terms of the Deal
In exchange for Montas, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. The trade represents a calculated risk for both teams, as each player brings their unique strengths and challenges to their new rosters.
Montas's Recent Performance
Montas, 31, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract. His performance this season has been a mixed bag, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, encompassing 93 1/3 innings. Recently, Montas has struggled, recording a 6.41 ERA and an opponent's OPS of .866 in his last eight starts. During this stretch, he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, indicating some inconsistencies that could be a concern for the Brewers.
Brewers Strengthening Their Pitching Staff
This acquisition continues the Brewers' trend of bolstering their pitching staff ahead of the postseason. Earlier this month, Milwaukee acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays. Additionally, the Brewers added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies, showcasing their commitment to improving their bullpen depth.
What Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis Bring to Cincinnati
Joey Wiemer, 25, is set to join the Reds after a rookie season where he slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. The University of Cincinnati alum has the potential to develop further with regular playing time. Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, will provide the Reds with additional pitching options as they look to reshape their roster.
Cincinnati's Trade Strategy
The Reds have openly discussed moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. Additionally, there is speculation about moving second baseman Jonathan India. Currently holding a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, Cincinnati appears to be in a selling mode as the trade deadline approaches.
Brewers Eyeing the Playoffs
In contrast, the Brewers, with a 60-45 record and a six-game lead in the NL Central, are firmly focused on strengthening their squad for a playoff run. By adding Montas, Milwaukee aims to solidify their rotation and tackle the inevitable challenges of the postseason.
This upcoming trade reflects the strategic thinking of both organizations as they strive to align their current rosters with their long-term goals. For the Brewers, the acquisition of Montas, despite his recent struggles, represents a high-reward gamble that could pay dividends in October. On the flip side, the Reds' decision to acquire young talent like Wiemer and Junis fits within their rebuild strategy, providing a foundation for future success.